Now thou, Ajihari, being an obscure and insignificant subject of the realm, didst suddenly entertain'a grudging as regards the lands of the Crown, and hast lightly disregarded the messenger. It is the Imperial will that thou, Ajihari, shalt henceforth cease to hold the office of Local Governor.”” Hereupon, the Agata-nushi Ihibo’s heart was filled with mingled joy andawe. He took his son Toriki and presented him to the Ohomuraji as a servant. Then Ajihari, Ohoshi Kahachi no Atahe, was afraid, and had lasting regret. Prostrating himself on the ground, with the perspiration streaming from him, he addressed the Ohomuraji, saying:—‘‘I am an ignorant subject, and my crime deserves ten thousand deaths. I pray humbly that I may be allowed to furnish from each district in spring-time five hundred spade- labourers, and in the time of autumn five hundred, for the Emperor’s service. My descendants to all ages will pray for their lives in dependence on this,* and they will keep it before them for ever as an exemplary punishment.” He separately presented to Ohotomo no Ohomuraji six cho of rice-land in Sawida. This seems to have been the origin of the labourers of the Agata of Kahachi being attached to the Miyake of Takefu in Mishima as serfs.
This month Hatahime, daughter of Kikoyu, Ihoki be no Muraji, stole a necklace belonging to Okoshi, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, and presented it to the Empress Kasuga. The matter was at length discovered, and Kikoyu gave his daughter, Hatahime, to be a servant of the Uneme. [The Kasuga Be * The importance of music as a means of government is often insisted on in the ancient Chinese literature. The interlinear version has here z/a-maz, “song and dancing,” which latter was no doubt included. Ceremony and music are put generally for the pomp and circumstance which are the life of an Imperial Court.
2 Here we have the Imperial theory formulated in terms, be it noted, which are borrowed entirely from Chinese writings.
3 i.e. this will be a perpetual ransom for the lives of my descendants.
ANKAN. 31 = Thokibe in Koshibe in the province of Aki, and therewith redeemed his daughter’s crime. Okoshi, Mononobe no Oho- XVIII. 7 muraji, fearing that he might become implicated in the matter, could not feel secure, and presented to the Emperor Towochi Be, with Kusasa, Toi [Kusasa and Toi are names of two villages], and Nihe no Hasebe, in the province of Ise, and also ‘Wisayamabe, in the Land of Tsukushi.
The Kuni no Miyakko of the province of Musashi, Omi, Kasahara no Atahe, had a dispute with a relation named Wogi as to who should be Kuni no Miyakko. This went on for years and could not be settled. Wogi was of an obstructive and rebellious disposition; he had a high spirit, unapt for com- pliance. He secretly sought support from Wokuma, the Kuni of Kamitsukenu,’ and conspired with him to kill Omi. Omi became aware of this, and made his escape to the capital, where he informed the Court. When the matter came to be decided, Omi was made Kuni no Miyakko, and Wogi was executed. Omi, Kuni no Miyakko, his breast filled. with mingled awe and gladness, could not restrain himself, but reverently offered to the State the four Miyake of Yokonu, Tachibana, Ohohi, and Kurasu.
This was the year Kinoye Tora (51st) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 1st Month, 5th day. The Emperor made A.p. 535. a decree, saying:—“‘ Of late, for several successive years, the ‘crops have produced well; there have been no frontier anxieties: the people take pleasure in their husbandry: my black-headed subjects of every calling are free from famine: benign influences extend agreeably over the universe: cries of admiration fill Heaven and Earth: within and without serenity is every- where diffused: the commonwealth is flourishing: Our joy is extreme: let there be a Great Revel for five days, to the delight of the Empire.”
Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The Be of the Toneri of xvutt. 8. Magari was established, and the Be of the Yuki of Magari.* 5th month, 9th day. There were established the Miyake of Uneme.'| He also presented (to the Emperor) the Miyake of * These Be were evidently intended to commemorate the Emperor’s name. The Yuki were archers.
XVIII. g.
32 NIHONGI.
Funami and Kama in Tsukushi, the Miyake of Tosa, Kuha- bara, Kato, Ohonuku and Aka in the province of Toyo, the Miyake of Kasuga be, in the province of Hi, the Miyake of Koshibe and Ushika in the province of Harima, the Miyake of Shidzuki, Tane, Kukutsu, Hawaka, and Kaha-oto, in the further province of Kibi, the Miyake of Iye and Itoshibe in the province of Ata,’ the Miyake of Kasuga be in the province of Aha, the Miyake of Fuse and Kahabe in the province of Ki, the Miyake of Soshiki in the province of Tamba, the Miyake of Ashiura in the province of Afumi, the Miyake of Mashiki and Iruka in the province of Wohari, the Miyake of Midono in the province of Kamitsukenu, and the Miyake of Wakanihe in the province of Suruga.”
Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. By Imperial command Be of dog-keepers* were established in every province.
gth month, 3rd day. The Emperor appointed Sakurawi Tanabe no Muraji, Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, and Naniha no Kishi, to the charge of the revenues from the Miyake.
13th day. The Emperor specially commanded the Ohomuraji, saying:—‘‘ Let cattle be let loose on Ohosumi-jima, and in the fir-plain of Hime-jima at Naniha. By this we hope that a name will be handed down to after times.” * Winter, 12th month, 17th day. The Emperor died in the palace of Kanabashi at Magari, at the age of seventy.
In this month the Emperor was buried in the misasagi on the hill of Takaya at Furuichi in the province of Kahachi. In this misasagi there were buried along with the Emperor the Empress, who was the Imperial Princess Kasuga no Yamada, and the Emperor’s younger sister, the Princess Kamisaki.’
' Now part of Satsuma.. 2 This institution of Miyake seems to show that the Central Government was vigorously extending its power in the provinces. The Imperial theory was being translated into practice.
3 Inukahi, a frequent surname in old Japan. The “Shukai” says:— “They had probably charge of the dogs to guard the Miyake against thieves.”
4 In 717 A.D. an order was given to discontinue the cattle-breeding estab- lishments of Ohosumi-jima and Hime-jima, and to allow the peasantry to till the land.
> Or Kanzaki.
se SENKWA, 33 THE EMPEROR TAKE-WO HIRO-KUNI OSHITATE." (SENKWA?*? TENNO.)
The Emperor Take-wo Hiro-kuni Oshitate was the second child of the Emperor Wohodo, and the younger brother by the same mother of the Emperor Magari no Ohoye Hiro-kuni Oshitake Kanahi.
The Emperor Magari no Ohoye Hirokuni Oshitake Kanahi died in the 12th month of the second year of his reign, leaving no heir. The Ministers in a body delivered up the sword and mirror? to Takewo Hirokuni Oshitate no Mikoto, and made him assume the Imperial Dignity. As to his character, his capacity was unalloyed throughout, his intelligence surpassingly bright, dnd he did not play the ruler, making a boast to people of his abilities. Superior men gave him their allegiance.
Ist year, Spring, ist month. The capital was transferred to Thorino in Hinokuma,‘ whence the palace took its name.
and month, 1st day. Ohotomo no Kanamura no Oho- muraji and Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji were ap- pointed Ohomuraji, both as before. Moreover, Sogano Iname no Sukune was made Oho-omi and Abe no Ohomaro no Omi Daibu.
3rd month, 1st day. The functionaries petitioned that an Empress might be appointed.
8th day. The Emperor commanded, saying:—‘‘ Let her who is already my proper ® consort, viz. the Imperial Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu, daughter of the Emperor Ohoke, be appointed Empress.’’ She bore to him one son and three daughters. The eldest was called the Imperial Princess Ishi hime,® the next was called the Imperial Princess Koishi hime,’ the next was called the Imperial Princess Kura no Wakaya hime, and the next the Imperial Prince Kamu-uye-ha [other- 1 The elements of this Emperor’s name are literally “ valiant-small-wide- country-push-shield.”
2 Senkwa means “ diffuse-civilization.” 3 The Regalia.
VOL. Il.. D XVIII. 10.
XVIIL 11.
eV QU UES Gx 34 NIHONGI.
wise Mariko]. He was the ancestor of the two families’ of the Tajihi no Kimi and the Ina no Kimi. The concubine whom he already had, viz. Ohoshi Kahachi no Wakugo hime, bore to him one son, named the Imperial Prince Honowo.” He was the ancestor of the Kimi of Shihida.
Summer, 5th month, 1st day. The Emperor made an edict, saying:-—‘‘ Food is the basis of the Empire. Yellow gold and ten thousand strings of cash cannot cure hunger.* What avails a thousand boxes of pearls to him who is starving of cold? Now the province of Tsukushi is a place reached by visitors to our Court from far and near; it is a barrier passed by travellers going and coming. Therefore the countries beyond the sea, awaiting the water of the ocean,* come as our guests: looking up to the clouds of Heaven, they bring us tribute. From the days of the Emperor in the womb* down to Ourselves, grain has been stored up and hoards of provisions accumulated as a distant preparation for evil years, and for the cordial entertainment of our good guests. For the peace of our country there is nothing better than this. We therefore send Asomo no Kimi to transport thither a further supply of grain from the Miyake of the district of Mamuta in Kahachi. Let Soga no Oho-omi and Iname no Sukune send Wohari no Muraji to transport grain of the Miyake of the province of Wohari. Let Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji send Nihinomi no Muraji to transport grain from the Miyake of Nihinomi. Let Abe no Omi send Iga no Omi to transport grain from the Miyake of the province of Iga. Let there be built a Govern- ment House at Nanotsu no Kuchi.® Moreover, the Miyake of the three provinces of Tsukushi, Hi, and Toyo are dispersed and remote: transport is therefore impeded by distance. In the case of an emergency it would be difficult to provide for sudden needs. Let the various districts therefore be charged each severally to transfer (the Miyake), and to erect one jointly at Nanotsu no Kuchi, thus making provision against extra- ordinary occasions, and long preserving the lives of the people.
' Lit. surnames. * Flame of fire.
3 It must not be inferred from this that the Japanese had coin at this time. It is simply a phrase borrowed from the Chinese.
4 The tides. ’ Ojin Tenné. ° In Chikuzen.
oo SENKWA. 35 Speedily go down to the districts (in question) and make known to them Our behests.”’
Autumn, 7th month. Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji died.
This year was the year Hinoye Tatsu (53rd) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Winter, roth month, 1st day. By reason of Silla’s hostility towards Imna, the Emperor commanded Ohotomo no Kanamura no Ohomuraji to send his sons Iha and Sadehiko to the assistance of Imna. At this time Iha staid in Tsukushi, ‘where he took charge of the local Government, and made pre- parations against the three Han.' Sadehiko went to Imnaand restored peace there. He also lent aid to Pékché.
4th year, Spring, 2nd month, roth day. The Emperor died in the Palace of Ihorino in Hinokuma at the age of seventy- three.
Winter, 11th month, 17th day. The Emperor was buried in the misasagi at the top of the acclivity of Tsukijima, in Musa, in the province of Yamato.
There were buried with him in the same misasagi the Empress, viz. the Imperial Princess Tachibana and her infant ‘child There is no mention in the records of the year of the Empress’s death. Probably the infant child had died before reaching manhood.
' ie. Silla, Pekché, and Kory6. * In Japanese wakugo. This word is also found as a proper name, which would account for the strange remark of the “ Original Commentary.”
AyD, 537s XVIII. 13.
BOOK XIX.
THE Emperor Ame-kuni Oshi-hiraki Hiro-niha was the right- ful heir of the Emperor Wohodo. His mother’s name was the Empress Tashiraka. The Emperor loved him, and kept him constantly at his side. When the Emperor was young he had a dream, in which a man appeared to him, saying:— “‘Tfthou makest a favourite of a man called Hada no Ohotsuchi, thou wilt surely possess the Empire when thou dost attain to manhood.” When he awoke, he sent messengers to search everywhere. They got from the province of Yamashiro, the district of Kii and the township of Fukakusa, a man whose name and surname were actually as in the dream. Upon this joy pervaded his whole frame. ‘‘ A dream without precedent!’” he exclaimed, and addressed him, saying:—‘‘ Has anything happened thee?” He answered and said:—‘‘ Nothing. Only when thy servant was on his way back from Ise, whither he- had gone to trade, he fell in with two wolves* on a mountain, who were fighting with one another, and were defiled with blood. Thy servant got down from his horse, and, having: rinsed his mouth and hands, made prayer to them, saying:— ‘Ye are august deities, and yet ye take delight in violence.
* “ No true wolf exists in Japan, but Canis hodophylax is a sort of lame counterfeit of the European beast.”—Dickins, in Satow and Hawes’ “ Hand- book of Japan,” p. [40]. Of the Ohokami, lit. “ Great God,” by which the Chinese character for wolf is rendered, Dickins says, “If it exists, nothing is known oft to science.”
-KIMMEI.. 37 If ye were to fall in with a hunter, very speedily ye should be taken.’ So thy servant restrained them from fighting together, and having wiped them and cleansed their blood-stained hair, eventually let them go, thus saving both their lives.” The Emperor said:—‘‘ This is undoubtedly your reward.”!. So he made him to serve near his own person, and treated him with a favour which was daily renewed, so that he arrived at the height of great wealth. When the Emperor came to the throne, he appointed him to the Treasury..
In Winter, the roth month of the 4th year of his reign, the Emperor Takewo hiro-kuni oshi-tate died. The Imperial Prince, the Emperor? Ame-kuni oshi-hiraki hiro-niha, ad- dressed the Ministers, saying:—‘‘ I am young ® in years, and of shallow knowledge. I have not yet had experience of the affairs of government. The Empress Yamada has a clear acquaintance with all matters of administration, and I pray you to apply to her and then decide.”’
The Empress Yamada rendered humble thanks, saying:— “Your handmaiden has been treated with favour, far beyond seas and mountains. But the manifold machinery of govern- ment is much too difficult a charge fora woman to undertake it. Now the Imperial Prince honours age, and shows affection to the young. He treats the wise with courtesy, and all day long neglects -his food while he attends to others. Not only so, but young as he is, the point comes through.‘ Already he has at his disposal an auspicious reputation, he is of a mild disposition and earnest in compassionate care. I pray the Ministers that they will, without delay, cause him to ascend to the Dignity, and preside gloriously over the Empire.’ ® 12th month, 5th day. The Imperial Prince Ame-kuni oshi- ‘ i.e. his being recommended to the Emperor in a dream.
2 Ste: ° A brother had died four years before, aged seventy, and another had just died, aged seventy-three. Kimmei is said to have died A.D. 571, at the age of sixty-three, or eighty-one, by another account. Evidently the ‘chronology is not yet quite satisfactory.
* An allusion to the Chinese saying, “ Talent will show itself: like an awl in a bag, the point comes through.” Vzde Giles, p. 1309.
‘* The Empress’s speech is composed almost wholly ef sentences from ‘Chinese authors, XTX 2; > Dele 38. NIHONGI.
hiraki hiro-niha assumed the Imperial Dignity. The Empress: was honoured with the title of Grand Empress. Ohotomo no . Kanamura no Ohomuraji and Mononobe no Okoshi no Ohomuraji were made Ohomuraji, and Soga no Iname no Sukune no Oho-omi was made Oho-omi, all as before.
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 15th day. The officials. petitioned for the appointment of an Empress. The Emperor gave command, saying:—‘‘ Let my proper consort, Ishihime,. daughter of the Emperor Take-wo hiro-kuni oshi-tate,! be ap- pointed Empress.”
She bore him two sons and one daughter. The eldest was. called the Imperial Prince Yata no Tama-katsu no Ohoye, the middle one was called Wosada Nunakura Futo-damashiki no Mikoto,’ the youngest was called the Imperial Princess Kasa- nuhi [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Satake].
2nd month. A man of Pekché named Kwi-chi-pu came over as an emigrant.: He was settled in Yamamura, in the district of Sofu no Kami, in the province of Yamato. He was. the ancestor of the present Kochifu* of Yamamura.
3rd month.—The Yemishi and the Hayato, both bringing their people with them, came and rendered allegiance.
Autumn, 7th month, 13th.day. The capital was removed to Shikishima, in the district of Shiki, in the province of Yamato. It was accordingly called the Palace of Kanazashi in Shikishima.
8th month. Koryé, Pékché, Silla and Imna all sent envoys together to render tribute. The men of T’sin and of Han, etc., the emigrants from the various frontier nations were assembled together, settled in the provinces and districts, and enrolled in the registers of population. The men of T’sin* numbered 1 Senkwa Tenno.. She was therefore his niece, daughter of his half- brother by the father’s side.
2 Bindatsu Tenno.
’ The traditional Japanese rendering of the Corean name Kwichipu.
* T’sin and Han are the Chinese dynasties so called. These men must have been recent emigrants from China to Corea, or their near descendants who had not yet been merged in the general population. This statement throws light on Japanese ethnology. It shows that not only the upper classes, as appears from the “ Seishiroku,” but the common people contained a large foreign (Chinese and Corean) element.
-KIMMEr.. 39 in all 7053 houses. The Director of the ans was made Hada‘ no Tomo no Miyakko.
gth month, 5th day. The Emperor made a progress to the shrine of Hafuritsu* at Naniha. He was accompanied by Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, Inamochi, Kose no Omi, and Okoshi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji. -The Emperor inquired of the Ministers, saying:—‘‘ How many troops would be re- quired:to conquer Silla?”? Okoshi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji and the rest addressed the Emperor, saying:—‘* With only a few soldiers it would not be easy to chastise Silla. Formerly, in the sixth year of the reign of the Emperor Wohodo, Pékché sent envoys petitioning that the four districts of Imna, viz. Upper Tari, Lower Tari, Syata and Muro might be granted to. him. Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji readily agreed with the request contained in this petition, and granted the demand. In consequence of this, Silla has cherished resentment for many years. Its chastisement should not be lightly under- taken.” Now Ohotomo no Kanamura staid in his house at Sumiyoshi,* and, on the pretence of illness, did not attend Court. The Emperor sent Magariko, Awomi no Ohotoshi, courteously to make kind inquiries. The Ohomuraji humbly thanked the Emperor, and said:—‘‘ That which ails me is nought else than this. The Ministers now say that it was I who lost Imna. Therefore I was afraid, and did not come to Court.’ So he made a present to the messenger of a saddle- horse, and showed him great friendliness and honour. Awomi no Ohotoshi made a faithful report to the Emperor, who commanded, saying:—‘‘ Thou hast long shown the utmost fidelity: be not moved by what people may say.” He acquitted him of all guilt, and showed him increasing favour.
This year was the year Kanoye Saru (57th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month. The Emperor took to him five concubines. The senior concubine was the Imperial Princess Kurawakaya hime, younger sister of the Empress. She bore. to him the Imperial Prince Iso no kami. The next was also a younger sister of the Empress, named the Imperial Princess Hikage.
1 T’sin is called Hada in Japanese.
? Hafuri means a Shinto priest, tsu is probably the genitive particle. SSeS ADVE,.p~ 7. * Or Suminoye, near Sakai.
XIX, 6.
40 NIHONGI.
The statement made here that she was the Empress’s younger sister is clear. This is the daughter of the Em- peror Hinokuma no Takada.’ And yet in enumerating the consorts the name of her consort-mother and the name of the Imperial Princess do not appear. I do not know what writing it is taken from. Some future inquirer may discover.”
She bore to the Emperor the Imperial Prince Kura. The next was the daughter of Soga no Oho-omi, Iname no Sukune. Her name was Kitashi hime. She had seven sons and six daughters. The first was called the Imperial Prince Ohoye. He became Tachibana no Toyohino Mikoto.? The second was called the Imperial Princess Ihane. [Also called the Imperial Princess Ime.] At first she was priestess to the great Deity of Ise, but was afterwards dismissed, being convicted of an intrigue with the Imperial Prince Mubaragi.* The third was called the Imperial Prince Atori. The fourth was called Toyo- mike Kashikiya no Mikoto.’ The fifth was called the Imperial Prince Mariko. The sixth was called the Imperial Princess Ohoyake. The seventh was called the Imperial Prince Iso no Kami-be. The eighth was called the Imperial Prince Yama- shiro. The ninth was called the Imperial Princess Ohotomo. The tenth was called the Imperial Prince Sakurawi. The eleventh was called the Imperial Princess Katano. The twelfth was called the Young Imperial Prince Tachibana ga moto. The thirteenth was called the Imperial Princess Toneri. The next (concubine) was a younger sister of Kitashi hime by the same mother, named Wonane-gimi. She bore four sons and one daughter. The first was called the Imperial Prince Mubaragi. The second was called the Imperial Prince Katsuraki. The third was called the Imperial Princess Hasetsukabe Anahobe. The fourth was called the Imperial Prince Hasetsukabe 1 Senkwa Tenno.
1 Senkwa Tenno.
* These genealogies present much that is obscure and contradictory, The ‘ Kojiki” varies. One thing, however, is clear, that the Emperors at this time married their own half-sisters and other near relations.
* Yomei Tenno.
*Or Ibaragi, or Uberagi. He was her half-brother by the father’s. side, and cousin by the mother’s side.
5 Suiko Tenno.
KIMMEL. 41 Anahobe.,[Otherwise called the’ Imperial. Prince Amatsuka no ko: one writing has, “‘ otherwise called the Imperial Prince Sumuto.”| The fifth was called the Imperial Prince Hasebe.
One writing has:—‘‘ The first was called the Imperial Prince Mubaragi. The second was called the Imperial Princess Hasetsukabe Anahobe. The third was called the Imperial Prince Hasetsukabe Anahobe, otherwise called the Imperial Prince Sumuto. The fourth was called the Imperial Prince Katsuraki. The fifth was called the Im- perial Prince Hasebe.”’ One writing says:—‘‘ The first was called the Imperial Prince Mubaragi.’ The second was called the Imperial Prince Sumuto. The third was called the Imperial Princess Hasetsukabe Anahobe. The fourth was called the Imperial Prince Hasetsukabe Ana- hobe, also called the Imperial Prince Amatsuka no ko. The fifth was called the Imperial Prince Hasebe.” In the original record of the Emperors there are many old characters, which underwent frequent alterations in the hands of the compilers. Later men, in learning to read them, modified them to suit the meaning, and, owing to their being handed down by repeated copying, errors eventually arose, by which the order was disturbed, and elder and younger mistaken for one another. We have now investigated old and new, and restored the truth. In cases where it was difficult to ascertain it, we have selected and followed one (MS.?) and noted down carefully the variants. All other (passages) follow the same rule.’
The next (consort) was the daughter of Kasuga no Hifuri no Omi, by name Nukako. She bore the Imperial Princess Kasuga no Yamada, and the Imperial Prince Tachibana no Maro.
’ Itis difficult to say anything of the authorship of this note. It is clearly not from the pen of the compiler of the “ Nihongi.” The word I have rendered “modified” is engrave (or carve)—alter (Fl) U8), which looks rather as if block-printing were referred to. This would bring the writer down to the thirteenth century or thereabouts. The “original record of the Emperors” is very like the title of one of the parts of Shdtoku Daishi’s “ Kiujiki.” See below, XXII. 32. The Japanese commentators give.no help here.
XIX. 7, PXOIEX. 8.
42 NIHONGI.
Summer, 4th month. The second Kanki! of Ara named wi* of Kara named Kachyén-hyé, the Kanki of Cholma named San-pan-hyé, the Kanki’s son, the junior Kanki of Tara named I-tha, Ko-tha son of the Kanki of Sa-i-ki—these Kanki, together with Kibi no Omi, the (Japanese) Commissioner for Imna, pro- ceeded to Pékché, and together heard the Imperial edict read. Syong-myong,* King of Pekché, addressing the Kanki of Imna and the others, said:— “The Emperor of Japan decrees that Imna shall be wholly re-established. Now by what means is this to be done? Why should not each of you with the deepest loyalty develop the sage purpose?’”’ + The Kanki of Imna and the others answered and said:— ‘Already two or three times proposals have been made to Silla, but no answer has been received. Let the present inten- tion be again communicated to Silla, and if there is still -no reply, it will now be well that all of us should send envoys to. go and lay the matter before the Emperor. It will then depend on the Great King’s will whether Imna is. to be established or not. We shall humbly receive his instructions. Who shall dare to offer a word of objection? Now the territory of Imna 1 The Corean pronunciation of the Chinese characters would be Hanki,. but here and below Kanki is no doubt the correct word.
3 The “ Tongkam” calls him Syéng. It has only a few words under this year, and nothing is said of the events here related.
4 Notwithstanding the respectful terms in which the King of Pékché speaks. of the Emperor of Japan, it would be a mistake to suppose that their rela- tions were those of suzerainty. The King of Pékché made war without consulting Japan, and several times during this century received investiture from the reigning: Chinese Dynasty, as in 528 and 570. Possibly the Japanese historians may have garbled the documents before them so as to make them read more respectful to the Mikado. But for the period we have now come to it is not necessary to take this view. The kinglets of Corea very likely were not sparing of complimentary phrases which cost them nothing. A Chinese author mentions the fact that at this period the Coreans styled Japan Fe BM, or the Great Country.
I am inclined to think that the word Japan in this passage has been introduced retrospectively. If this had been the official designation of the country at this time, it would in all probability have been used in the letter addressed to the Emperor of China in Suiko’s reign.
-KIMMEI. 43 is conterminous with Silla, and it is to be feared that this will prove disastrous to Chhak-syun, etc.
By etc. is meant Tok-kwi-than and Kara. The reference is to the disaster of the conquest of Chhak-syun and the other provinces.
King Syéng-my6ng said:—‘‘In former times, during: the reigns of my ancestors, King Sok-ko' and King Kwi-syu,” the Kanki of Ara, Kara, and Chhak-syun first sent envoys and entered into communication. We became knitted together by a cordial friendship, and they were treated as children or younger brothers. It was my hope that they should flourish continuously. But now they have been deceived by Silla and have caused the Emperor to be wroth, and Imna to be angry. This is the fault of me, the incompetent one, for which I am profoundly sorry. I therefore sent Maro,* the Ha-pu Chung- cha-phyong, and Méno, the Syéng-pang Kap-syo, to Kara to meet the Imna authorities, and, having sworn together, there- after earnestly and perseveringly to concert measures for the establishment of Imna, without forgetfulness either morning or evening. Now the terms of the Emperor’s commands are— ‘Let Imna be at once established.’ I therefore wish to consult with you as to the means of setting up Imna and the other provinces, Let this matter be well weighed by you. Moreover I shall send for Silla to the Imna frontier, and ask whether he means to obey or not. Upon receiving his answer we can send envoys together to report to the Emperor and humbly.
receive his instructions. If, however, before the return of the envoys, Silla watches an opportunity and invades Imna, I will go to its assistance, so that there is no need for anxiety. Let us, however, make good preparation to defend ourselves; let us be watchful and not forgetful. As to what you specially tell me, viz. that you fear disaster for Chhak-syun, etc., it is not (merely) the aggressiveness of Silla which has made this possible. T6k-kwi-than lies on the border between Kara and Silla, and for several successive years has been harassed ’ Probably King Syoko. 2 Kusyu.
3 From this it would appear that Maro is a Corean name as well as Japanese. It also occurs in Keidai Tennd’s reign. Ha-pu means “ lower division.” Chung-cha-phyong is the name of a high office in Corea.
44 NIHONGI.
and defeated. Imna has not been able to render it assistance, and it has therefore suffered ruin. South Kara, being a very small place, was unable promptly to make defence, and knew not whom to rely upon. Therefore it has come to ruin. As to Chhak-syun, the upper and lower classes practise double- dealing so much so as to wish voluntarily to join Silla and to hold secret communication with that object. Therefore it has come to ruin. Viewed in this light, the downfall of these three provinces had very sufficient causes.
Formerly Silla asked help from Koryé6, and with its assistance ‘invaded Imna and Pékché, but to this day without conquering them. How then could Silla alone destroyImna? If youand I, the incompetent one, now join our powers, and with united hearts place our inward trust in the Emperor, Imna will assuredly be established.”
Each received presents according to his station, and they took their way homewards joyfully.
Autumn, 7th month. Pekché, hearing that the (Japanese) authorities of Ara were intriguing with Silla, sent Pirimakko, Nasol of the Senior division, the Nasol Syén-mun, the Nasol of the middle division, Mok-hiép Me-syun, and Ki no Omi, The Nasol Ki no Omi was probably the son of Ki no Omi by a marriage with a Corean woman, who therefore remained in the country and was made Nasol by Pekché. It is not clear who his father was. Other cases all. follow this rule. the Nasol Mimasya, on a mission to Ara, to summon to them the agents of Silla and Imna, and to concert measures for the establishment of Imna. He _ separately reproved Kahachi no Atahe, the chief Japanese authority of Ara, roundly for intriguing with Silla.. The Pekché ‘ Original Record” has Kapuchipi Atahe Akyoninasacharomato. This is not clear. Addressing Imna, he said:—‘‘In past times, my ancestors, Kings Sokko and Kwisyu,' were first joined in amity with the former Kanki. They became as it were brethren. I therefore look upon you as my children or younger brothers, and you regard me as a father or elder brother. Together we serve the 1 See above, p. 43.
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Emperor, and unitedly repel hostile violence, procuring up till now the peace of the country and the integrity of the State. When I think of the friendly language of my ancestors and the former Kanki, it seems to me like the shining sun. From that time to this, I have sedulously maintained friendship with my neighbours and have always dealt honestly with the allied countries. My affection for them passes that of flesh and bones.’ It was the constant prayer of me, the inept one, that such a fair beginning might have a fitting end. I cannot understand why people should lightly give credit to vague rumours and for a space of several years should have impul- sively abandoned their purpose. It may be said of such, in the words of the men of old, that ‘they repent when it is too late.’ But if, as regards the present, they swear to the gods as far as the cloud-spaces above, and down to the region within the springs * below, and amend their faults so as to accord with the past, revealing all that they do without the least reserve, so that their loyalty penetrates to the spirits, and if they take themselves severely to task, this may again be accepted. We are told that of those who stand in the position of successors, honour is to him who keeps well in the rut made by his pre- decessors, and makes the hall and roof to prosper, thereby accomplishing a meritorious service.® I therefore wish to go back and reverence the kindly feeling of the friendship of former